Preview: Galway United vs. Drogheda United
Galway United vs. Drogheda United Preview
Galway United and Drogheda United both aim to return to winning ways as they clash at Eamonn Deacy Park on Thursday.
Date: Thursday 13th June Venue: Eamonn Deacy Park
Galway United
Despite back-to-back defeats, Galway United sit fifth in the League of Ireland Premier Division, looking to bounce back after a strong start to their season. Following their promotion by topping the League of Ireland First Division, they secured 27 points from their first 17 matches, including seven victories.
In a dramatic mid-May match against Drogheda United, Galway came from behind to win 3-2 with Maurice Nugent equalizing in the 91st minute and Stephen Walsh scoring the winner in injury time. However, they have since lost two matches, narrowly to St Patrick’s Athletic and then to Derry City, where late goals sealed their fate in a 2-0 loss.
Despite this dip, Galway remain in contention for a higher spot, only four points behind third-placed Shamrock Rovers and fourth-placed Waterford, with a game in hand. They aim to narrow this gap with a victory on Thursday.
Drogheda United
Struggling at the bottom end of the table, Drogheda United are eight points away from automatic safety amidst a six-match winless streak. After finishing seventh last season, their current campaign has been challenging. They managed three wins and 15 points from their first 15 matches but have only added one more point in their last five outings.
Their winless run began with a narrow 3-2 loss to Galway United and continued with defeats to Waterford and Shamrock Rovers. A 2-1 loss at Sligo Rovers followed, despite pulling a goal back early in the second half, and most recently, they managed a goalless draw against St Patrick’s Athletic.
Currently in the relegation playoff place, Drogheda United are desperate for a victory to reignite their survival hopes.
Form Guide
• Galway United: WDWWLL
• Drogheda United: DLLLLD
Team News
Galway United:
• Stephen Walsh might start up front after Karl O’Sullivan led the line against Derry City.
• O’Sullivan could drop into a support role with David Hurley and Ed McCarthy.
• Maurice Nugent may join Conor McCormack in midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
• Rob Slevin and Killian Brouder are expected to continue their defensive partnership.
Possible Lineup:
Clarke; Esua, Slevin, Brouder, Kazeem; Nugent, McCormack; O’Sullivan, Hurley, McCarthy; Walsh
Drogheda United:
• Frantz Pierrot is likely to start up front, having scored five goals this season.
• Zishim Bawa may move to the left wing, with Adam Foley on the right.
• Ryan Brennan and Matthew O’Brien will continue in midfield in Gary Deegan’s absence.
• Jack Keaney and Andrew Quinn are expected to start in central defense.
Possible Lineup:
Wogan; Heeney, Quinn, Keaney, Kane; Brennan, O’Brien; Foley, Markey, Bawa; Pierrot
With both teams eager to break their recent poor form, Thursday’s match promises to be a competitive encounter as Galway United strive to climb higher and Drogheda United fight to escape the relegation zone.
